Nothing Helps With Holiday Clean-Up Like a Working Garbage Disposal
As much as Americans pride themselves on their eating prowess during the holiday season, food waste does happen, and garbage disposals can take care of many problems. But that doesn't mean that homeowners can throw anything and everything into them without some heavy consequences.
Continue reading for tips from plumbing experts on how to use, maintain, and repair the garbage disposal.
Garbage Disposals Can Prevent Clogged Drains
Garbage disposals are designed specifically for food waste. When food passes through a garbage disposal, it is chopped into smaller pieces, making the food particles pass through the drainage system much more easily. Otherwise, large chunks of food wash down the drain and enter the pipes, possibly becoming lodged. One simple little clog can become a major sewage blockage and even eventually cause a sewage backup.
As a bonus, food that goes through a garbage disposal has a higher chance of being diverted from landfills, causing methane build-up due to food waste. However, nitrogen from food waste can negatively affect bodies of water. To responsibly dispose of food waste, reach out to a local plumbing expert about what and how much food should be passing through the garbage disposal system.
The Do's and Don'ts of Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Garbage disposals are designed specifically for food waste, but they do have limits. If a homeowner is careful about the waste they put into their garbage disposal, they can extend the unit's lifespan and save money on costly repairs or replacements.
In general, larger pieces of food can potentially cause issues for a garbage disposal. It is also never recommended to dispose of oil or grease with a garbage disposal. The oil can ruin the unit as well as the pipes. Any non-food items should never enter the disposal. Homeowners should remember to use the garbage disposal regularly to prevent food accumulation and corrosion. They should also use plenty of water while disposing of food to help the food pass safely through the system. One piece of food instead of large quantities at once will be easier for the unit to process.
How To Know When It's Time To Call for a Plumber
While it is always good to troubleshoot a problem with the garbage disposal first, certain problems require backup. If regular cleaning does not solve the issue, then there is possibly a bigger problem at stake. Some problems might need an expert immediately. If there is a leak, foul smells, repeated visits from drain flies, something important that fell into the disposal, or the unit is nearing its lifespan, a plumber is needed.
About the Experts at Allore's Plumbing Services LLC
Veteran owned and operated Allore's Plumbing Service LLC is the top-rated plumbing services provider for Stuart, FL and the surrounding area. They offer 24-hour emergency services, 100 percent satisfaction guarantees, and made-to-last plumbing repairs. For any Stuart, FL garbage disposal plumbing services, call Allore's Plumbing Service LLC.
